The Trans-Canada Highway: The ultimate off-road enthusiast’s dream
If you are an off-road enthusiast looking for your next big adventure, you absolutely must visit the Trans-Canada Highway (TCH), which is one of the world’s longest off-road roads. It is a route that stretches more than 7,800 kilometres (4,860 miles) through some of the most breathtaking landscapes on the planet. The road crosses rugged mountains, expansive grasslands and lush forests. Just imagine a route that takes you from the Atlantic Ocean all the way to the Pacific. Sounds a bit like a dream, eh? But it’s real, it’s there and I think we all deserve it. We at Enduro Experience are in Croatia, so a long way from Canada, but we like to think that one day we will be able to get there.
Why the TCH is perfect for off-road adventurers
It’s called a motorway but the name is definitely misleading. I wouldn’t call it a motorway at all. While some parts of the TCH are smooth, well-paved and absolutely doable by car, there are also countless detours. And the surrounding landscapes are completely unpaved so they can become challenging if the weather is not the best. Think winding dirt roads, paths through dense forests and remote back roads leading to places only accessible to the brave. One (or one) off-road enthusiast in my opinion could not ask for more!
So in essence it is a highway that demands respect and rewards the daring. And with every kilometre you discover the varied and raw beauty of Canada.
Highlights of the world’s longest off-road road that you can’t miss!
1. Newfoundland and Labrador: Wild Start
Getting deeper into the planning of our trip, the adventure of the Longest off-road route in the world starts at the point where the highway begins, in St. John’s. It is a place surrounded by cliffs and buffeted by the wild Atlantic winds. As you traverse the Gros Morne National Park (which is a breathtaking wonder!), you will encounter routes that on the one hand will test your off-road skills, with rough terrain and some challenging bits, but on the other will give you breathtaking views that seem to belong to another planet.
Tip:
Pack rain gear: Newfoundland’s weather is as unpredictable as its cliffs are steep.
2. Ontario: The call of the wild
The Ontario section is an off-roader’s dream. And it is the part of the world’s longest off-road route that has the most gravel sections. The Canadian Shield offers rugged dirt roads with some of the most pristine lakes as a backdrop. Be sure to drive through Lake Superior Provincial Park, where the trails seem endless and the only sound is your engine echoing through the forest.
Worth a visit:
Want to add a dash of culture? Visit the Terry Fox Monument in Thunder Bay. It is a humbling reminder of resilience and determination.
3. Alberta: the Rocky Mountains await
The TCH through Alberta plunges you straight into the Rocky Mountains. From Banff to Jasper, the off-road detours will leave you spellbound. Gravel trails wind through valleys surrounded by towering peaks and the air is so crisp you can almost taste it.
Worth a visit:
Want even more adventure? Take theIcefields Parkway, a diversion off the main highway. You can skirt glaciers and turquoise lakes, but watch out for wild animals crossing your path! Or get your camera ready!
4. British Columbia: Where the land meets the sea
On the last stretch, the highway winds its way to Victoria, British Columbia. Here the journey is spectacular: steep mountain passes, dense coastal forests and the endless blue of the Pacific Ocean greeting you at the end. And without realising it, you have covered almost 8,000 km!
A word of advice:
Don’t rush to the finish line. Explore the Fraser Canyon and challenge yourself on the old logging trails that criss-cross the area.
Of course, there are other places you could visit that you will find along the way; just to name a few we can indiacre Quebec City or Ontario but also Rogers Pass where up to 14 metres of snow can accumulate in winter, or Confederation Bridge, an architectural marvel. It is a bridge that connects Prince Edward Island with New Brunswick. 12 kilometres of bridge for a $20 toll.
How to tackle one of the world’s longest off-roads on a motorbike?
Are you ready to hit the road? Here’s how to make your trip on the Longest off-road route in the world epic:
- Be prepared for all seasons: Canada’s weather can turn your plans upside down. A sunny trip to Alberta can turn into a snowy adventure in Newfoundland. Pack layers and definitely don’t forget waterproof clothing.
- Fill up with fuel: the remotest stretches of Ontario may not be needed. Carry a tank of petrol and snacks: your bike (and your belly) will thank you.
- Take detours: The TCH is iconic, but it’s the trails, dirt roads and hidden paths that branch off that will get your heart racing.
- Keep it light: On off-road stretches, less is more. Pack the essentials; if you have to carry a petrol tank, tools, maybe a tyre changer, tent and more, you will hardly have any space left to carry your evening dress.
- Dream big.
The Trans-Canada Highway is more than a journey: it’s a test of your grit, your bike and your thirst for adventure. Imagine pitching a tent under a blazing sky of stars in the Rockies or stopping at a Saskatchewan diner to share a coffee with locals who have stories to tell.
This is the kind of journey that stays with you. It’s the dirt under your fingernails, the ache in your legs after a long day in the saddle and the memories of landscapes so vast and beautiful they seem endless.
So, what are you waiting for?
The bike is calling you. The TCH is calling. The wild, untamed heart of Canada is calling. Grab your gear, unroll your maps and start dreaming. Because the Trans-Canada Highway is not just the Longest off-road route in the world: it’s the trip of a lifetime!
But before you set off, come and get some off-road practice, so you arrive prepared to tackle the longest off-road road in the world! We look forward to a day of enduro riding in Croatia, so choose the tour that suits you best.